第6章

SimilarburdenswereinflicteduponUlmandNuremberg，andtheentirecirclesofFranconiaandSwabia。ThehandoftheEmperorwasstretchedinterroroverallGermany。Thesuddenpreponderance，moreinappearance，perhaps，thaninreality，whichhehadobtainedbythisblow，carriedhimbeyondtheboundsevenofthemoderationwhichhehadhithertoobserved，andmisledhimintohastyandviolentmeasures，whichatlastturnedthewaveringresolutionoftheGermanprincesinfavourofGustavusAdolphus。InjuriousastheimmediateconsequencesofthefallofMagdeburgweretotheProtestantcause，itsremotereffectsweremostadvantageous。Thepastsurprisemadewayforactiveresentment，despairinspiredcourage，andtheGermanfreedomrose，likeaphoenix，fromtheashesofMagdeburg。

AmongtheprincesoftheLeipzigConfederation，theElectorofSaxonyandtheLandgraveofHessewerethemostpowerful；and，untiltheyweredisarmed，theuniversalauthorityoftheEmperorwasunconfirmed。

AgainsttheLandgrave，therefore，Tillyfirstdirectedhisattack，andmarchedstraightfromMagdeburgintoThuringia。Duringthismarch，theterritoriesofSaxeErnestandSchwartzburgwerelaidwaste，andFrankenhausenplunderedbeforetheveryeyesofTilly，andlaidinasheswithimpunity。Theunfortunatepeasantpaiddearforhismaster’sattachmenttotheinterestsofSweden。Erfurt，thekeyofSaxonyandFranconia，wasthreatenedwithasiege，butredeemeditselfbyavoluntarycontributionofmoneyandprovisions。

Fromthence，TillydespatchedhisemissariestotheLandgrave，demandingofhimtheimmediatedisbandingofhisarmy，arenunciationoftheleagueofLeipzig，thereceptionofimperialgarrisonsintohisterritoriesandfortresses，withthenecessarycontributions，andthedeclarationoffriendshiporhostility。SuchwasthetreatmentwhichaprinceoftheEmpirewascompelledtosubmittofromaservantoftheEmperor。Buttheseextravagantdemandsacquiredaformidableweightfromthepowerwhichsupportedthem；andthedreadfulfateofMagdeburg，stillfreshinthememoryoftheLandgrave，tendedstillfarthertoenforcethem。Admirable，therefore，wastheintrepidityoftheLandgrave’sanswer:"Toadmitforeigntroopsintohiscapitalandfortresses，theLandgraveisnotdisposed；

histroopsherequiresforhisownpurposes；asforanattack，hecandefendhimself。IfGeneralTillywantsmoneyorprovisions，lethimgotoMunich，wherethereisplentyofboth。"

TheirruptionoftwobodiesofimperialtroopsintoHesseCasselwastheimmediateresultofthisspiritedreply，buttheLandgravegavethemsowarmareceptionthattheycouldeffectnothing；andjustasTillywaspreparingtofollowwithhiswholearmy，topunishtheunfortunatecountryforthefirmnessofitssovereign，themovementsoftheKingofSwedenrecalledhimtoanotherquarter。

GustavusAdolphushadlearnedthefallofMagdeburgwithdeepregret；

andthedemandnowmadebytheElector，GeorgeWilliam，intermsoftheiragreement，fortherestorationofSpandau，greatlyincreasedthisfeeling。ThelossofMagdeburghadratheraugmentedthanlessenedthereasonswhichmadethepossessionofthisfortresssodesirable；andthenearerbecamethenecessityofadecisivebattlebetweenhimselfandTilly，themoreunwillinghefelttoabandontheonlyplacewhich，intheeventofadefeat，couldensurehimarefuge。

Afteravainendeavour，byentreatiesandrepresentations，tobringovertheElectortohisviews，whosecoldnessandlukewarmnessdailyincreased，hegaveorderstohisgeneraltoevacuateSpandau，butatthesametimedeclaredtotheElectorthathewouldhenceforthregardhimasanenemy。

Togiveweighttothisdeclaration，heappearedwithhiswholeforcebeforeBerlin。"Iwillnotbeworsetreatedthantheimperialgenerals，"

washisreplytotheambassadorswhomthebewilderedElectordespatchedtohiscamp。"Yourmasterhasreceivedthemintohisterritories，furnishedthemwithallnecessarysupplies，cededtothemeveryplacewhichtheyrequired，andyet，byalltheseconcessions，hecouldnotprevailuponthemtotreathissubjectswithcommonhumanity。

AllthatIrequireofhimissecurity，amoderatesumofmoney，andprovisionsformytroops；inreturn，Ipromisetoprotecthiscountry，andtokeepthewaratadistancefromhim。Onthesepoints，however，Imustinsist；andmybrother，theElector，mustinstantlydeterminetohavemeasafriend，ortoseehiscapitalplundered。"Thisdecisivetoneproducedadueimpression；andthecannonpointedagainstthetownputanendtothedoubtsofGeorgeWilliam。Inafewdays，atreatywassigned，bywhichtheElectorengagedtofurnishamonthlysubsidyof30，000dollars，toleaveSpandauintheking’shands，andtoopenCustrinatalltimestotheSwedishtroops。ThisnowopenallianceoftheElectorofBrandenburgwiththeSwedes，excitednolessdispleasureatVienna，thandidformerlythesimilarprocedureoftheDukeofPomerania；

butthechangedfortunewhichnowattendedhisarms，obligedtheEmperortoconfinehisresentmenttowords。

Theking’ssatisfaction，onthisfavourableevent，wasincreasedbytheagreeableintelligencethatGriefswald，theonlyfortresswhichtheImperialistsstillheldinPomerania，hadsurrendered，andthatthewholecountrywasnowfreeoftheenemy。

Heappearedoncemoreinthisduchy，andwasgratifiedatthesightofthegeneraljoywhichhehadcausedtothepeople。AyearhadelapsedsinceGustavusfirstenteredGermany，andthiseventwasnowcelebratedbyallPomeraniaasanationalfestival。Shortlybefore，theCzarofMoscowhadsentambassadorstocongratulatehim，torenewhisalliance，andeventoofferhimtroops。HehadgreatreasontorejoiceatthefriendlydispositionofRussia，asitwasindispensabletohisintereststhatSwedenitselfshouldremainundisturbedbyanydangerousneighbourduringthewarinwhichhehimselfwasengaged。Soonafter，hisqueen，MariaEleonora，landedinPomerania，withareinforcementof8000Swedes；

andthearrivalof6000English，undertheMarquisofHamilton，requiresmoreparticularnoticebecausethisisallthathistorymentionsoftheEnglishduringtheThirtyYears’War。

DuringTilly’sexpeditionintoThuringia，PappenheimcommandedinMagdeburg；

butwasunabletopreventtheSwedesfromcrossingtheElbeatvariouspoints，routingsomeimperialdetachments，andseizingseveralposts。Hehimself，alarmedattheapproachoftheKingofSweden，anxiouslyrecalledTilly，andprevaileduponhimtoreturnbyrapidmarchestoMagdeburg。

TillyencampedonthissideoftheriveratWolmerstadt；

Gustavusonthesameside，nearWerben，notfarfromtheconfluenceoftheHavelandtheElbe。HisveryarrivalportendednogoodtoTilly。

TheSwedesroutedthreeofhisregiments，whichwerepostedinvillagesatsomedistancefromthemainbody，carriedoffhalftheirbaggage，andburnedtheremainder。Tillyinvainadvancedwithincannonshotoftheking’scamp，andofferedhimbattle。Gustavus，weakerbyone-halfthanhisadversary，prudentlydeclinedit；andhispositionwastoostrongforanattack。Nothingmoreensuedbutadistantcannonade，andafewskirmishes，inwhichtheSwedeshadinvariablytheadvantage。

InhisretreattoWolmerstadt，Tilly’sarmywasweakenedbynumerousdesertions。FortuneseemedtohaveforsakenhimsincethecarnageofMagdeburg。

TheKingofSweden，onthecontrary，wasfollowedbyuninterruptedsuccess。

WhilehehimselfwasencampedinWerben，thewholeofMecklenburg，withtheexceptionofafewtowns，wasconqueredbyhisGeneralTottandtheDukeAdolphusFrederick；andheenjoyedthesatisfactionofreinstatingbothdukesintheirdominions。HeproceededinpersontoGustrow，wherethereinstatementwassolemnlytotakeplace，togiveadditionaldignitytotheceremonybyhispresence。Thetwodukes，withtheirdelivererbetweenthem，andattendedbyasplendidtrainofprinces，madeapublicentryintothecity，whichthejoyoftheirsubjectsconvertedintoanaffectingsolemnity。SoonafterhisreturntoWerben，theLandgraveofHesseCasselappearedinhiscamp，toconcludeanoffensiveanddefensivealliance；thefirstsovereignprinceinGermany，whovoluntarilyandopenlydeclaredagainsttheEmperor，thoughnotwhollyuninfluencedbystrongmotives。TheLandgraveboundhimselftoactagainsttheking’senemiesashisown，toopentohimhistownsandterritory，andtofurnishhisarmywithprovisionsandnecessaries。Theking，ontheotherhand，declaredhimselfhisallyandprotector；

andengagedtoconcludenopeacewiththeEmperorwithoutfirstobtainingfortheLandgraveafullredressofgrievances。Bothpartieshonourablyperformedtheiragreement。HesseCasseladheredtotheSwedishallianceduringthewholeofthistediouswar；andatthepeaceofWestphaliahadnoreasontoregretthefriendshipofSweden。

Tilly，fromwhomthisboldsteponthepartoftheLandgravewasnotlongconcealed，despatchedCountFuggerwithseveralregimentsagainsthim；

andatthesametimeendeavouredtoexcitehissubjectstorebellionbyinflammatoryletters。Butthesemadeaslittleimpressionashistroops，whichsubsequentlyfailedhimsodecidedlyatthebattleofBreitenfield。

TheEstatesofHessecouldnotforamomenthesitatebetweentheiroppressorandtheirprotector。

ButtheimperialgeneralwasfarmoredisturbedbytheequivocalconductoftheElectorofSaxony，who，indefianceoftheimperialprohibition，continuedhispreparations，andadheredtotheconfederationofLeipzig。

Atthisconjuncture，whentheproximityoftheKingofSwedenmadeadecisivebattleerelonginevitable，itappearedextremelydangeroustoleaveSaxonyinarms，andreadyinamomenttodeclarefortheenemy。

Tillyhadjustreceivedareinforcementof25，000veterantroopsunderFurstenberg，and，confidentinhisstrength，hehopedeithertodisarmtheElectorbythemereterrorofhisarrival，oratleasttoconquerhimwithlittledifficulty。BeforequittinghiscampatWolmerstadt，hecommandedtheElector，byaspecialmessenger，toopenhisterritoriestotheimperialtroops；eithertodisbandhisown，ortojointhemtotheimperialarmy；andtoassist，inconjunctionwithhimself，indrivingtheKingofSwedenoutofGermany。Whileheremindedhimthat，ofalltheGermanstates，Saxonyhadhithertobeenmostrespected，hethreatenedit，incaseofrefusal，withthemostdestructiveravages。

ButTillyhadchosenanunfavourablemomentforsoimperiousarequisition。

Theill-treatmentofhisreligiousandpoliticalconfederates，thedestructionofMagdeburg，theexcessesoftheImperialistsinLusatia，allcombinedtoincensetheElectoragainsttheEmperor。Theapproach，too，ofGustavusAdolphus，(howeverslenderhisclaimsweretotheprotectionofthatprince，)tendedtofortifyhisresolution。Heaccordinglyforbadethequarteringoftheimperialsoldiersinhisterritories，andannouncedhisfirmdeterminationtopersistinhiswarlikepreparations。

Howeversurprisedheshouldbe，headded，"toseeanimperialarmyonitsmarchagainsthisterritories，whenthatarmyhadenoughtodoinwatchingtheoperationsoftheKingofSweden，neverthelesshedidnotexpect，insteadofthepromisedandwellmeritedrewards，toberepaidwithingratitudeandtheruinofhiscountry。"ToTilly’sdeputies，whowereentertainedinaprincelystyle，hegaveastillplaineranswerontheoccasion。"Gentlemen，"saidhe，"IperceivethattheSaxonconfectionery，whichhasbeensolongkeptback，isatlengthtobesetuponthetable。Butasitisusualtomixwithitnutsandgarnishofallkinds，takecareofyourteeth。"

Tillyinstantlybrokeuphiscamp，and，withthemostfrightfuldevastation，advanceduponHalle；fromthisplaceherenewedhisdemandsontheElector，inatonestillmoreurgentandthreatening。Thepreviouspolicyofthisprince，bothfromhisowninclination，andthepersuasionsofhiscorruptministershadbeentopromotetheinterestsoftheEmperor，evenattheexpenseofhisownsacredobligations，andbutverylittletacthadhithertokepthiminactive。AllthisbutrendersmoreastonishingtheinfatuationoftheEmperororhisministersinabandoning，atsocriticalamoment，thepolicytheyhadhithertoadopted，andbyextrememeasures，incensingaprincesoeasilyled。WasthistheveryobjectwhichTillyhadinview？Wasithispurposetoconvertanequivocalfriendintoanopenenemy，andthustorelievehimselffromthenecessityofthatindulgenceinthetreatmentofthisprince，whichthesecretinstructionsoftheEmperorhadhithertoimposeduponhim？

OrwasittheEmperor’swish，bydrivingtheElectortoopenhostilities，togetquitofhisobligationstohim，andsocleverlytobreakoffatoncethedifficultyofareckoning？Ineithercase，wemustbeequallysurprisedatthedaringpresumptionofTilly，whohesitatednot，inpresenceofoneformidableenemy，toprovokeanother；andathisnegligenceinpermitting，withoutopposition，theunionofthetwo。

TheSaxonElector，rendereddesperatebytheentranceofTillyintohisterritories，threwhimself，thoughnotwithoutaviolentstruggle，undertheprotectionofSweden。

ImmediatelyafterdismissingTilly’sfirstembassy，hehaddespatchedhisfield-marshalArnheiminallhastetothecampofGustavus，tosolicitthepromptassistanceofthatmonarchwhomhehadsolongneglected。Thekingconcealedtheinwardsatisfactionhefeltatthislongwishedforresult。

"IamsorryfortheElector，"saidhe，withdissembledcoldness，totheambassador；"hadheheededmyrepeatedremonstrances，hiscountrywouldneverhaveseenthefaceofanenemy，andMagdeburgwouldnothavefallen。Now，whennecessityleaveshimnoalternative，hehasrecoursetomyassistance。Buttellhim，thatIcannot，forthesakeoftheElectorofSaxony，ruinmyowncause，andthatofmyconfederates。WhatpledgehaveIforthesincerityofaprincewhoseministerisinthepayofAustria，andwhowillabandonmeassoonastheEmperorflattershim，andwithdrawshistroopsfromhisfrontiers？Tilly，itistrue，hasreceivedastrongreinforcement；

butthisshallnotpreventmefrommeetinghimwithconfidence，assoonasIhavecoveredmyrear。"

TheSaxonministercouldmakenootherreplytothesereproaches，thanthatitwasbesttoburythepastinoblivion。

Hepressedthekingtonametheconditions，onwhichhewouldaffordassistancetoSaxony，andofferedtoguaranteetheiracceptance。

"Irequire，"saidGustavus，"thattheElectorshallcedetomethefortressofWittenberg，delivertomehiseldestsonsashostages，furnishmytroopswiththreemonths’pay，anddeliveruptomethetraitorsamonghisministry。"

"NotWittenbergalone，"saidtheElector，whenhereceivedthisanswer，andhurriedbackhisministertotheSwedishcamp，"notWittenbergalone，butTorgau，andallSaxony，shallbeopentohim；mywholefamilyshallbehishostages，andifthatisinsufficient，Iwillplacemyselfinhishands。ReturnandinformhimIamreadytodelivertohimanytraitorsheshallname，tofurnishhisarmywiththemoneyherequires，andtoventuremylifeandfortuneinthegoodcause。

ThekinghadonlydesiredtotestthesincerityoftheElector’snewsentiments。Convincedofit，henowretractedtheseharshdemands。

"Thedistrust，"saidhe，"whichwasshowntomyselfwhenadvancingtothereliefofMagdeburg，hadnaturallyexcitedmine；

theElector’spresentconfidencedemandsareturn。Iamsatisfied，providedhegrantsmyarmyonemonth’spay，andevenforthisadvanceIhopetoindemnifyhim。"

Immediatelyupontheconclusionofthetreaty，thekingcrossedtheElbe，andnextdayjoinedtheSaxons。Insteadofpreventingthisjunction，TillyhadadvancedagainstLeipzig，whichhesummonedtoreceiveanimperialgarrison。Inhopesofspeedyrelief，HansVonderPforta，thecommandant，madepreparationsforhisdefence，andlaidthesuburbtowardsHalleinashes。Buttheillconditionofthefortificationsmaderesistancevain，andontheseconddaythegateswereopened。

Tillyhadfixedhisheadquartersinthehouseofagrave-digger，theonlyonestillstandinginthesuburbofHalle:herehesignedthecapitulation，andhere，too，hearrangedhisattackontheKingofSweden。

Tillygrewpaleattherepresentationofthedeath’sheadandcrossbones，withwhichtheproprietorhaddecoratedhishouse；and，contrarytoallexpectation，Leipzigexperiencedmoderatetreatment。

Meanwhile，acouncilofwarwasheldatTorgau，betweentheKingofSwedenandtheElectorofSaxony，atwhichtheElectorofBrandenburgwasalsopresent。Theresolutionwhichshouldnowbeadopted，wastodecideirrevocablythefateofGermanyandtheProtestantreligion，thehappinessofnationsandthedestinyoftheirprinces。

Theanxietyofsuspensewhich，beforeeverydecisiveresolve，oppresseseventheheartsofheroes，appearednowforamomenttoovershadowthegreatmindofGustavusAdolphus。"Ifwedecideuponbattle，"saidhe，"thestakewillbenothinglessthanacrownandtwoelectorates。

Fortuneischangeable，andtheinscrutabledecreesofHeavenmay，foroursins，givethevictorytoourenemies。Mykingdom，itistrue，evenafterthelossofmylifeandmyarmy，wouldstillhaveahopeleft。

Farremovedfromthesceneofaction，defendedbyapowerfulfleet，awell-guardedfrontier，andawarlikepopulation，itwouldatleastbesafefromtheworstconsequencesofadefeat。Butwhatchancesofescapearethereforyou，withanenemysocloseathand？"GustavusAdolphusdisplayedthemodestdiffidenceofahero，whomanoverweeningbeliefofhisownstrengthdidnotblindtothegreatnessofhisdanger；

JohnGeorge，theconfidenceofaweakman，whoknowsthathehasaherobyhisside。Impatienttoridhisterritoriesassoonaspossibleoftheoppressivepresenceoftwoarmies，heburnedforabattle，inwhichhehadnoformerlaurelstolose。HewasreadytomarchwithhisSaxonsaloneagainstLeipzig，andattackTilly。

AtlastGustavusaccededtohisopinion；anditwasresolvedthattheattackshouldbemadewithoutdelay，beforethearrivalofthereinforcements，whichwereontheirway，underAltringerandTiefenbach。

TheunitedSwedishandSaxonarmiesnowcrossedtheMulda，whiletheElectorreturnedhomeward。

Earlyonthemorningofthe7thSeptember，1631，thehostilearmiescameinsightofeachother。Tilly，who，sincehehadneglectedtheopportunityofoverpoweringtheSaxonsbeforetheirunionwiththeSwedes，wasdisposedtoawaitthearrivalofthereinforcements，hadtakenupastrongandadvantageouspositionnotfarfromLeipzig，whereheexpectedheshouldbeabletoavoidthebattle。ButtheimpetuosityofPappenheimobligedhim，assoonastheenemywereinmotion，toalterhisplans，andtomovetotheleft，inthedirectionofthehillswhichrunfromthevillageofWahrentowardsLindenthal。Atthefootoftheseheights，hisarmywasdrawnupinasingleline，andhisartilleryplacedupontheheightsbehind，fromwhichitcouldsweepthewholeextensiveplainofBreitenfeld。TheSwedishandSaxonarmyadvancedintwocolumns，havingtopasstheLobernearPodelwitz，inTilly’sfront。

Todefendthepassageofthisrivulet，Pappenheimadvancedattheheadof2000cuirassiers，thoughaftergreatreluctanceonthepartofTilly，andwithexpressordersnottocommenceabattle。But，indisobediencetothiscommand，PappenheimattackedthevanguardoftheSwedes，andafterabriefstrugglewasdriventoretreat。Tochecktheprogressoftheenemy，hesetfiretoPodelwitz，which，however，didnotpreventthetwocolumnsfromadvancingandforminginorderofbattle。

Ontheright，theSwedesdrewupinadoubleline，theinfantryinthecentre，dividedintosuchsmallbattalionsascouldbeeasilyandrapidlymanoeuvredwithoutbreakingtheirorder；thecavalryupontheirwings，dividedinthesamemannerintosmallsquadrons，interspersedwithbodiesofmusqueteers，soasbothtogiveanappearanceofgreaternumericalforce，andtoannoytheenemy’shorse。ColonelTeufelcommandedthecentre，GustavusHorntheleft，whiletherightwasledbythekinginperson，opposedtoCountPappenheim。

Ontheleft，theSaxonsformedataconsiderabledistancefromtheSwedes，——

bytheadviceofGustavus，whichwasjustifiedbytheevent。

TheorderofbattlehadbeenarrangedbetweentheElectorandhisfield-marshal，andthekingwascontentwithmerelysignifyinghisapproval。HewasanxiousapparentlytoseparatetheSwedishprowessfromthatoftheSaxons，andfortunedidnotconfoundthem。

Theenemywasdrawnupundertheheightstowardsthewest，inoneimmenseline，longenoughtooutflanktheSwedisharmy，——

theinfantrybeingdividedinlargebattalions，thecavalryinequallyunwieldysquadrons。Theartillerybeingontheheightsbehind，therangeofitsfirewasovertheheadsofhismen。Fromthispositionofhisartillery，itwasevidentthatTilly’spurposewastoawaitratherthantoattacktheenemy；sincethisarrangementrendereditimpossibleforhimtodosowithoutexposinghismentothefireofhisowncannons。

Tillyhimselfcommandedthecentre，CountFurstenbergtherightwing，andPappenheimtheleft。TheunitedtroopsoftheEmperorandtheLeagueonthisdaydidnotamountto34，000or35，000men；theSwedesandSaxonswereaboutthesamenumber。Buthadamillionbeenconfrontedwithamillionitcouldonlyhaverenderedtheactionmorebloody，certainlynotmoreimportantanddecisive。ForthisdayGustavushadcrossedtheBaltic，tocourtdangerinadistantcountry，andexposehiscrownandlifetothecapriceoffortune。Thetwogreatestgeneralsofthetime，bothhithertoinvincible，werenowtobematchedagainsteachotherinacontestwhichbothhadlongavoided；andonthisfieldofbattlethehithertountarnishedlaurelsofoneleadermustdroopforever。

ThetwopartiesinGermanyhadbeheldtheapproachofthisdaywithfearandtrembling；andthewholeageawaitedwithdeepanxietyitsissue，andposteritywaseithertoblessordeploreitforever。

Tilly’susualintrepidityandresolutionseemedtoforsakehimonthiseventfulday。HehadformednoregularplanforgivingbattletotheKing，andhedisplayedaslittlefirmnessinavoidingit。

Contrarytohisownjudgment，Pappenheimhadforcedhimtoaction。

Doubtswhichhehadneverbeforefelt，struggledinhisbosom；

gloomyforebodingscloudedhisever-openbrow；theshadeofMagdeburgseemedtohoveroverhim。

Acannonadeoftwohourscommencedthebattle；thewind，whichwasfromthewest，blewthickcloudsofsmokeanddustfromthenewly-ploughedandparchedfieldsintothefacesoftheSwedes。Thiscompelledthekinginsensiblytowheelnorthwards，andtherapiditywithwhichthismovementwasexecutedleftnotimetotheenemytopreventit。

Tillyatlastlefthisheights，andbeganthefirstattackupontheSwedes；

buttoavoidtheirhotfire，hefiledofftowardstheright，andfellupontheSaxonswithsuchimpetuositythattheirlinewasbroken，andthewholearmythrownintoconfusion。TheElectorhimselfretiredtoEilenburg，thoughafewregimentsstillmaintainedtheirgrounduponthefield，andbyaboldstandsavedthehonourofSaxony。

ScarcelyhadtheconfusionbeganeretheCroatscommencedplundering，andmessengersweredespatchedtoMunichandViennawiththenewsofthevictory。

PappenheimhadthrownhimselfwiththewholeforceofhiscavalryupontherightwingoftheSwedes，butwithoutbeingabletomakeitwaver。

Thekingcommandedhereinperson，andunderhimGeneralBanner。

SeventimesdidPappenheimrenewtheattack，andseventimeswasherepulsed。

Hefledatlastwithgreatloss，andabandonedthefieldtohisconqueror。

Inthemeantime，Tilly，havingroutedtheremainderoftheSaxons，attackedwithhisvictorioustroopstheleftwingoftheSwedes。

Tothiswingtheking，assoonasheperceivedthattheSaxonswerethrownintodisorder，had，withareadyforesight，detachedareinforcementofthreeregimentstocoveritsflank，whichtheflightoftheSaxonshadleftexposed。GustavusHorn，whocommandedhere，showedtheenemy’scuirassiersaspiritedresistance，whichtheinfantry，interspersedamongthesquadronsofhorse，materiallyassisted。Theenemywerealreadybeginningtorelaxthevigouroftheirattack，whenGustavusAdolphusappearedtoterminatethecontest。

TheleftwingoftheImperialistshadbeenrouted；andtheking’sdivision，havingnolongeranyenemytooppose，couldnowturntheirarmswhereveritwouldbetothemostadvantage。Wheeling，therefore，withhisrightwingandmainbodytotheleft，heattackedtheheightsonwhichtheenemy’sartillerywasplanted。Gainingpossessionoftheminashorttime，heturnedupontheenemythefullfireoftheirowncannon。

Theplayofartilleryupontheirflank，andtheterribleonslaughtoftheSwedesinfront，threwthishithertoinvinciblearmyintoconfusion。

AsuddenretreatwastheonlycourselefttoTilly，buteventhiswastobemadethroughthemidstoftheenemy。Thewholearmywasindisorder，withtheexceptionoffourregimentsofveteransoldiers，whoneverasyethadfledfromthefield，andwereresolvednottodosonow。

Closingtheirranks，theybrokethroughthethickestofthevictoriousarmy，andgainedasmallthicket，wheretheyopposedanewfronttotheSwedes，andmaintainedtheirresistancetillnight，whentheirnumberwasreducedtosixhundredmen。WiththemfledthewreckofTilly’sarmy，andthebattlewasdecided。

Amidthedeadandthewounded，GustavusAdolphusthrewhimselfonhisknees；

andthefirstjoyofhisvictorygushedforthinferventprayer。Heorderedhiscavalrytopursuetheenemyaslongasthedarknessofthenightwouldpermit。Thepealingofthealarm-bellssettheinhabitantsofalltheneighbouringvillagesinmotion，andutterlylostwastheunhappyfugitivewhofellintotheirhands。ThekingencampedwiththerestofhisarmybetweenthefieldofbattleandLeipzig，asitwasimpossibletoattackthetownthesamenight。

Seventhousandoftheenemywerekilledinthefield，andmorethan5，000

eitherwoundedortakenprisoners。TheirwholeartilleryandcampfellintothehandsoftheSwedes，andmorethanahundredstandardsandcoloursweretaken。OftheSaxonsabout2，000hadfallen，whilethelossoftheSwedesdidnotexceed700。TheroutoftheImperialistswassocomplete，thatTilly，onhisretreattoHalleandHalberstadt，couldnotrallyabove600men，orPappenheimmorethan1，400——

sorapidlywasthisformidablearmydispersed，whichsolatelywastheterrorofItalyandGermany。

Tillyhimselfowedhisescapemerelytochance。Exhaustedbyhiswounds，hestillrefusedtosurrendertoaSwedishcaptainofhorse，whosummonedhimtoyield；butwho，whenhewasonthepointofputtinghimtodeath，washimselfstretchedonthegroundbyatimelypistol-shot。

Butmoregrievousthandangerorwoundswasthepainofsurvivinghisreputation，andoflosinginasingledaythefruitsofalonglife。

Allformervictorieswereasnothing，sincehehadfailedingainingtheonethatshouldhavecrownedthemall。Nothingremainedofallhispastexploits，butthegeneralexecrationwhichhadfollowedthem。

Fromthisperiod，heneverrecoveredhischeerfulnessorhisgoodfortune。

Evenhislastconsolation，thehopeofrevenge，wasdeniedtohim，bytheexpresscommandoftheEmperornottoriskadecisivebattle。

Thedisgraceofthisdayistobeascribedprincipallytothreemistakes；

hisplantingthecannononthehillsbehindhim，hisafterwardsabandoningtheseheights，andhisallowingtheenemy，withoutopposition，toforminorderofbattle。Buthoweasilymightthosemistakeshavebeenrectified，haditnotbeenforthecoolpresenceofmindandsuperiorgeniusofhisadversary！

TillyfledfromHalletoHalberstadt，wherehescarcelyallowedtimeforthecureofhiswounds，beforehehurriedtowardstheWesertorecruithisforcebytheimperialgarrisonsinLowerSaxony。

TheElectorofSaxonyhadnotfailed，afterthedangerwasover，toappearinGustavus’scamp。Thekingthankedhimforhavingadvisedabattle；

andtheElector，charmedathisfriendlyreception，promisedhim，inthefirsttransportsofjoy，theRomancrown。GustavussetoutnextdayforMerseburg，leavingtheElectortorecoverLeipzig。

FivethousandImperialists，whohadcollectedtogetherafterthedefeat，andwhomhemetonhismarch，wereeithercutinpiecesortakenprisoners，ofwhomagainthegreaterpartenteredintohisservice。

Merseburgquicklysurrendered；Hallewassoonaftertaken，whithertheElectorofSaxony，aftermakinghimselfmasterofLeipzig，repairedtomeettheking，andtoconcerttheirfutureplanofoperations。

Thevictorywasgained，butonlyaprudentuseofitcouldrenderitdecisive。

Theimperialarmiesweretotallyrouted，Saxonyfreefromtheenemy，andTillyhadretiredintoBrunswick。TohavefollowedhimthitherwouldhavebeentorenewthewarinLowerSaxony，whichhadscarcelyrecoveredfromtheravagesofthelast。Itwasthereforedeterminedtocarrythewarintotheenemy’scountry，which，openanddefencelessasfarasVienna，invitedattack。Ontheirright，theymightfallupontheterritoriesoftheRomanCatholicprinces，orpenetrate，ontheleft，intothehereditarydominionsofAustria，andmaketheEmperortrembleinhispalace。Bothplanswereresolvedon；andthequestionthatnowremainedwastoassignitsrespectiveparts。GustavusAdolphus，attheheadofavictoriousarmy，hadlittleresistancetoapprehendinhisprogressfromLeipzigtoPrague，Vienna，andPresburg。

AstoBohemia，Moravia，Austria，andHungary，theyhadbeenstrippedoftheirdefenders，whiletheoppressedProtestantsinthesecountrieswereripeforarevolt。Ferdinandwasnolongersecureinhiscapital:

Vienna，onthefirstterrorofsurprise，wouldatonceopenitsgates。

Thelossofhisterritorieswoulddeprivetheenemyoftheresourcesbywhichalonethewarcouldbemaintained；andFerdinandwould，inallprobability，gladlyaccede，onthehardestconditions，toapeacewhichwouldremoveaformidableenemyfromtheheartofhisdominions。Thisboldplanofoperationswasflatteringtoaconqueror，andsuccessperhapsmighthavejustifiedit。ButGustavusAdolphus，asprudentashewasbrave，andmoreastatesmanthanaconqueror，rejectedit，becausehehadahigherendinview，andwouldnottrusttheissueeithertobraveryorgoodfortunealone。

BymarchingtowardsBohemia，FranconiaandtheUpperRhinewouldbelefttotheElectorofSaxony。ButTillyhadalreadybeguntorecruithisshatteredarmyfromthegarrisonsinLowerSaxony，andwaslikelytobeattheheadofaformidableforceupontheWeser，andtolosenotimeinmarchingagainsttheenemy。Tosoexperiencedageneral，itwouldnotdotoopposeanArnheim，ofwhosemilitaryskillthebattleofLeipzighadaffordedbutequivocalproof；

andofwhatavailwouldbetherapidandbrilliantcareerofthekinginBohemiaandAustria，ifTillyshouldrecoverhissuperiorityintheEmpire，animatingthecourageoftheRomanCatholics，anddisarming，byanewseriesofvictories，thealliesandconfederatesoftheking？

WhatwouldhegainbyexpellingtheEmperorfromhishereditarydominions，ifTillysucceededinconqueringforthatEmperortherestofGermany？

CouldhehopetoreducetheEmperormorethanhadbeendone，twelveyearsbefore，bytheinsurrectionofBohemia，whichhadfailedtoshakethefirmnessorexhausttheresourcesofthatprince，andfromwhichhehadrisenmoreformidablethanever？

Lessbrilliant，butmoresolid，weretheadvantageswhichhehadtoexpectfromanincursionintotheterritoriesoftheLeague。Inthisquarter，hisappearanceinarmswouldbedecisive。Atthisveryconjuncture，theprinceswereassembledinaDietatFrankfort，todeliberateupontheEdictofRestitution，whereFerdinandemployedallhisartfulpolicytopersuadetheintimidatedProtestantstoaccedetoaspeedyanddisadvantageousarrangement。Theadvanceoftheirprotectorcouldaloneencouragethemtoaboldresistance，anddisappointtheEmperor’sdesigns。

GustavusAdolphushoped，byhispresence，tounitethediscontentedprinces，orbytheterrorofhisarmstodetachthemfromtheEmperor’sparty。Here，inthecentreofGermany，hecouldparalysethenervesoftheimperialpower，which，withouttheaidoftheLeague，mustsoonfall——here，intheneighbourhoodofFrance，hecouldwatchthemovementsofasuspiciousally；andhoweverimportanttohissecretviewsitwastocultivatethefriendshipoftheRomanCatholicelectors，hesawthenecessityofmakinghimselffirstofallmasteroftheirfate，inordertoestablish，byhismagnanimousforbearance，aclaimtotheirgratitude。

HeaccordinglychosetheroutetoFranconiaandtheRhine；

andlefttheconquestofBohemiatotheElectorofSaxony。

BookIII。

ThegloriousbattleofLeipzigeffectedagreatchangeintheconductofGustavusAdolphus，aswellasintheopinionwhichbothfriendsandfoesentertainedofhim。Successfullyhadheconfrontedthegreatestgeneraloftheage，andhadmatchedthestrengthofhistacticsandthecourageofhisSwedesagainsttheeliteoftheimperialarmy，themostexperiencedtroopsinEurope。Fromthismomenthefeltafirmconfidenceinhisownpowers——self-confidencehasalwaysbeentheparentofgreatactions。Inallhissubsequentoperationsmoreboldnessanddecisionareobservable；greaterdetermination，evenamidstthemostunfavourablecircumstances，amoreloftytonetowardshisadversaries，amoredignifiedbearingtowardshisallies，andeveninhisclemency，somethingoftheforbearanceofaconqueror。

Hisnaturalcouragewasfartherheightenedbythepiousardourofhisimagination。Hesawinhisowncausethatofheaven，andinthedefeatofTillybeheldthedecisiveinterferenceofProvidenceagainsthisenemies，andinhimselftheinstrumentofdivinevengeance。

Leavinghiscrownandhiscountryfarbehind，headvancedonthewingsofvictoryintotheheartofGermany，whichforcenturieshadseennoforeignconquerorwithinitsbosom。Thewarlikespiritofitsinhabitants，thevigilanceofitsnumerousprinces，theartfulconfederationofitsstates，thenumberofitsstrongcastles，itsmanyandbroadrivers，hadlongrestrainedtheambitionofitsneighbours；

andfrequentlyasitsextensivefrontierhadbeenattacked，itsinteriorhadbeenfreefromhostileinvasion。TheEmpirehadhithertoenjoyedtheequivocalprivilegeofbeingitsownenemy，thoughinvinciblefromwithout。Evennow，itwasmerelythedisunionofitsmembers，andtheintoleranceofreligiouszeal，thatpavedthewayfortheSwedishinvader。Thebondofunionbetweenthestates，whichalonehadrenderedtheEmpireinvincible，wasnowdissolved；

andGustavusderivedfromGermanyitselfthepowerbywhichhesubduedit。

Withasmuchcourageasprudence，heavailedhimselfofallthatthefavourablemomentafforded；andequallyathomeinthecabinetandthefield，hetoreasundertheweboftheartfulpolicy，withasmuchease，asheshatteredwallswiththethunderofhiscannon。

UninterruptedlyhepursuedhisconquestsfromoneendofGermanytotheother，withoutbreakingthelineofpostswhichcommandedasecureretreatatanymoment；andwhetheronthebanksoftheRhine，oratthemouthoftheLech，alikemaintaininghiscommunicationwithhishereditarydominions。

TheconsternationoftheEmperorandtheLeagueatTilly’sdefeatatLeipzig，wasscarcelygreaterthanthesurpriseandembarrassmentofthealliesoftheKingofSwedenathisunexpectedsuccess。Itwasbeyondboththeirexpectationsandtheirwishes。Annihilatedinamomentwasthatformidablearmywhich，whileitcheckedhisprogressandsetboundstohisambition，renderedhiminsomemeasuredependentonthemselves。HenowstoodintheheartofGermany，alone，withoutarivalorwithoutanadversarywhowasamatchforhim。

Nothingcouldstophisprogress，orcheckhispretensions，iftheintoxicationofsuccessshouldtempthimtoabusehisvictory。

IfformerlytheyhaddreadedtheEmperor’sirresistiblepower，therewasnolesscausenowtofeareverythingfortheEmpire，fromtheviolenceofaforeignconqueror，andfortheCatholicChurch，fromthereligiouszealofaProtestantking。Thedistrustandjealousyofsomeofthecombinedpowers，whichastrongerfearoftheEmperorhadforatimerepressed，nowrevived；andscarcelyhadGustavusAdolphusmerited，byhiscourageandsuccess，theirconfidence，whentheybegancovertlytocircumventallhisplans。Throughacontinualstrugglewiththeartsofenemies，andthedistrustofhisownallies，musthisvictorieshenceforthbewon；yetresolution，penetration，andprudencemadetheirwaythroughallimpediments。

Butwhilehissuccessexcitedthejealousyofhismorepowerfulallies，FranceandSaxony，itgavecouragetotheweaker，andemboldenedthemopenlytodeclaretheirsentimentsandjoinhisparty。

ThosewhocouldneitherviewithGustavusAdolphusinimportance，norsufferfromhisambition，expectedthemorefromthemagnanimityoftheirpowerfulally，whoenrichedthemwiththespoilsoftheirenemies，andprotectedthemagainsttheoppressionoftheirstrongerneighbours。

Hisstrengthcoveredtheirweakness，and，inconsiderableinthemselves，theyacquiredweightandinfluencefromtheirunionwiththeSwedishhero。

Thiswasthecasewithmostofthefreecities，andparticularlywiththeweakerProtestantstates。ItwasthesethatintroducedthekingintotheheartofGermany；thesecoveredhisrear，suppliedhistroopswithnecessaries，receivedthemintotheirfortresses，whiletheyexposedtheirownlivesinhisbattles。Hisprudentregardtotheirnationalpride，hispopulardeportment，somebrilliantactsofjustice，andhisrespectforthelaws，weresomanytiesbywhichheboundtheGermanProtestantstohiscause；whilethecryingatrocitiesoftheImperialists，theSpaniards，andthetroopsofLorraine，powerfullycontributedtosethisownconductandthatofhisarmyinafavourablelight。

IfGustavusAdolphusowedhissuccesschieflytohisowngenius，atthesametime，itmustbeowned，hewasgreatlyfavouredbyfortuneandbycircumstances。Twogreatadvantagesgavehimadecidedsuperiorityovertheenemy。WhileheremovedthesceneofwarintothelandsoftheLeague，drewtheiryouthasrecruits，enrichedhimselfwithbooty，andusedtherevenuesoftheirfugitiveprincesashisown，heatoncetookfromtheenemythemeansofeffectualresistance，andmaintainedanexpensivewarwithlittlecosttohimself。And，moreover，whilehisopponents，theprincesoftheLeague，dividedamongthemselves，andgovernedbydifferentandoftenconflictinginterests，actedwithoutunanimity，andthereforewithoutenergy；

whiletheirgeneralsweredeficientinauthority，theirtroopsinobedience，theoperationsoftheirscatteredarmieswithoutconcert；

whilethegeneralwasseparatedfromthelawgiverandthestatesman；

theseseveralfunctionswereunitedinGustavusAdolphus，theonlysourcefromwhichauthorityflowed，thesoleobjecttowhichtheeyeofthewarriorturned；thesoulofhisparty，theinventoraswellastheexecutorofhisplans。Inhim，therefore，theProtestantshadacentreofunityandharmony，whichwasaltogetherwantingtotheiropponents。Nowonder，then，iffavouredbysuchadvantages，attheheadofsuchanarmy，withsuchageniustodirectit，andguidedbysuchpoliticalprudence，GustavusAdolphuswasirresistible。

Withtheswordinonehand，andmercyintheother，hetraversedGermanyasaconqueror，alawgiver，andajudge，inasshortatimealmostasthetouristofpleasure。Thekeysoftownsandfortressesweredeliveredtohim，asiftothenativesovereign。Nofortresswasinaccessible；

norivercheckedhisvictoriouscareer。Heconqueredbytheveryterrorofhisname。TheSwedishstandardswereplantedalongthewholestreamoftheMaine:theLowerPalatinatewasfree，thetroopsofSpainandLorrainehadfledacrosstheRhineandtheMoselle。TheSwedesandHessianspouredlikeatorrentintotheterritoriesofMentz，ofWurtzburg，andBamberg，andthreefugitivebishops，atadistancefromtheirsees，suffereddearlyfortheirunfortunateattachmenttotheEmperor。

ItwasnowtheturnforMaximilian，theleaderoftheLeague，tofeelinhisowndominionsthemiserieshehadinflicteduponothers。

Neithertheterriblefateofhisallies，northepeacefuloverturesofGustavus，who，inthemidstofconquest，everheldoutthehandoffriendship，couldconquertheobstinacyofthisprince。

ThetorrentofwarnowpouredintoBavaria。LikethebanksoftheRhine，thoseoftheLeckeandtheDonauwerecrowdedwithSwedishtroops。

Creepingintohisfortresses，thedefeatedElectorabandonedtotheravagesofthefoehisdominions，hithertounscathedbywar，andonwhichthebigotedviolenceoftheBavariansseemedtoinviteretaliation。

Munichitselfopeneditsgatestotheinvinciblemonarch，andthefugitivePalatine，FrederickV。，intheforsakenresidenceofhisrival，consoledhimselfforatimeforthelossofhisdominions。

WhileGustavusAdolphuswasextendinghisconquestsinthesouth，hisgeneralsandalliesweregainingsimilartriumphsintheotherprovinces。

LowerSaxonyshookofftheyokeofAustria，theenemyabandonedMecklenburg，andtheimperialgarrisonsretiredfromthebanksoftheWeserandtheElbe。

InWestphaliaandtheUpperRhine，William，LandgraveofHesse，renderedhimselfformidable；theDukeofWeimarinThuringia，andtheFrenchintheElectorateofTreves；whiletotheeastwardthewholekingdomofBohemiawasconqueredbytheSaxons。

TheTurkswerepreparingtoattackHungary，andintheheartofAustriaadangerousinsurrectionwasthreatened。InvaindidtheEmperorlookaroundtothecourtsofEuropeforsupport；invaindidhesummontheSpaniardstohisassistance，forthebraveryoftheFlemingsaffordedthemampleemploymentbeyondtheRhine；invaindidhecallupontheRomancourtandthewholechurchtocometohisrescue。

TheoffendedPopesported，inpompousprocessionsandidleanathemas，withtheembarrassmentsofFerdinand，andinsteadofthedesiredsubsidyhewasshownthedevastationofMantua。

Onallsidesofhisextensivemonarchyhostilearmssurroundedhim。

WiththestatesoftheLeague，nowoverrunbytheenemy，thoserampartswerethrowndown，behindwhichAustriahadsolongdefendedherself，andtheembersofwarwerenowsmoulderinguponherunguardedfrontiers。

Hismostzealousalliesweredisarmed；MaximilianofBavaria，hisfirmestsupport，wasscarceabletodefendhimself。Hisarmies，weakenedbydesertionandrepeateddefeat，anddispiritedbycontinuedmisfortuneshadunlearnt，underbeatengenerals，thatwarlikeimpetuositywhich，asitistheconsequence，soitistheguaranteeofsuccess。Thedangerwasextreme，andextraordinarymeansalonecouldraisetheimperialpowerfromthedegradationintowhichitwasfallen。

Themosturgentwantwasthatofageneral；andtheonlyonefromwhomhecouldhopefortherevivalofhisformersplendour，hadbeenremovedfromhiscommandbyanenviouscabal。

SolowhadtheEmperornowfallen，thathewasforcedtomakethemosthumiliatingproposalstohisinjuredsubjectandservant，andmeanlytopressupontheimperiousDukeofFriedlandtheacceptanceofthepowerswhichnolessmeanlyhadbeentakenfromhim。

AnewspiritbeganfromthismomenttoanimatetheexpiringbodyofAustria；

andasuddenchangeintheaspectofaffairsbespokethefirmhandwhichguidedthem。TotheabsoluteKingofSweden，ageneralequallyabsolutewasnowopposed；andonevictoriousherowasconfrontedwithanother。Botharmieswereagaintoengageinthedoubtfulstruggle；andtheprizeofvictory，alreadyalmostsecuredinthehandsofGustavusAdolphus，wastobetheobjectofanotherandaseverertrial。ThestormofwargatheredaroundNuremberg；

beforeitswallsthehostilearmiesencamped；gazingoneachotherwithdreadandrespect，longingfor，andyetshrinkingfrom，themomentthatwastoclosethemtogetherintheshockofbattle。

TheeyesofEuropeturnedtothesceneincuriosityandalarm，whileNuremberg，indismay，expectedsoontolenditsnametoamoredecisivebattlethanthatofLeipzig。Suddenlythecloudsbroke，andthestormrolledawayfromFranconia，toburstupontheplainsofSaxony。

NearLutzenfellthethunderthathadmenacedNuremberg；

thevictory，halflost，waspurchasedbythedeathoftheking。

Fortune，whichhadneverforsakenhiminhislifetime，favouredtheKingofSwedeneveninhisdeath，withtherareprivilegeoffallinginthefulnessofhisgloryandanuntarnishedfame。

Byatimelydeath，hisprotectinggeniusrescuedhimfromtheinevitablefateofman——thatofforgettingmoderationintheintoxicationofsuccess，andjusticeintheplenitudeofpower。Itmaybedoubtedwhether，hadhelivedlonger，hewouldstillhavedeservedthetearswhichGermanyshedoverhisgrave，ormaintainedhistitletotheadmirationwithwhichposterityregardshim，asthefirstandonlyJUSTconquerorthattheworldhasproduced。Theuntimelyfalloftheirgreatleaderseemedtothreatentheruinofhisparty；buttothePowerwhichrulestheworld，nolossofasinglemanisirreparable。Asthehelmofwardroppedfromthehandofthefallinghero，itwasseizedbytwogreatstatesmen，OxenstiernandRichelieu。Destinystillpursueditsrelentlesscourse，andforfullsixteenyearslongertheflamesofwarblazedovertheashesofthelong-forgottenkingandsoldier。

ImaynowbepermittedtotakeacursoryretrospectofGustavusAdolphusinhisvictoriouscareer；glanceatthesceneinwhichhealonewasthegreatactor；andthen，whenAustriabecomesreducedtoextremitybythesuccessesoftheSwedes，andbyaseriesofdisastersisdriventothemosthumiliatinganddesperateexpedients，toreturntothehistoryoftheEmperor。

AssoonastheplanofoperationshadbeenconcertedatHalle，betweentheKingofSwedenandtheElectorofSaxony；assoonasthealliancehadbeenconcludedwiththeneighbouringprincesofWeimarandAnhalt，andpreparationsmadefortherecoveryofthebishopricofMagdeburg，thekingbeganhismarchintotheempire。Hehadherenodespicablefoetocontendwith。Withintheempire，theEmperorwasstillpowerful；

throughoutFranconia，Swabia，andthePalatinate，imperialgarrisonswereposted，withwhomthepossessionofeveryplaceofimportancemustbedisputedswordinhand。OntheRhinehewasopposedbytheSpaniards，whohadoverruntheterritoryofthebanishedElectorPalatine，seizedallitsstrongplaces，andwouldeverywheredisputewithhimthepassageoverthatriver。OnhisrearwasTilly，whowasfastrecruitinghisforce，andwouldsoonbejoinedbytheauxiliariesfromLorraine。

EveryPapistpresentedaninveteratefoe，whilehisconnexionwithFrancedidnotleavehimatlibertytoactwithfreedomagainsttheRomanCatholics。

Gustavushadforeseenalltheseobstacles，butatthesametimethemeansbywhichtheyweretobeovercome。ThestrengthoftheImperialistswasbrokenanddividedamongdifferentgarrisons，whilehewouldbringagainstthemonebyonehiswholeunitedforce。

IfhewastobeopposedbythefanaticismoftheRomanCatholics，andtheaweinwhichthelesserstatesregardedtheEmperor’spower，hemightdependontheactivesupportoftheProtestants，andtheirhatredtoAustrianoppression。TheravagesoftheImperialistandSpanishtroopsalsopowerfullyaidedhiminthesequarters；

wheretheill-treatedhusbandmanandcitizensighedalikeforadeliverer，andwherethemerechangeofyokeseemedtopromisearelief。

EmissariesweredespatchedtogainovertotheSwedishsidetheprincipalfreecities，particularlyNurembergandFrankfort。

Thefirstthatlayintheking’smarch，andwhichhecouldnotleaveunoccupiedinhisrear，wasErfurt。HeretheProtestantpartyamongthecitizensopenedtohim，withoutablow，thegatesofthetownandthecitadel。Fromtheinhabitantsofthis，asofeveryimportantplacewhichafterwardssubmitted，heexactedanoathofallegiance，whilehesecureditspossessionbyasufficientgarrison。Tohisally，DukeWilliamofWeimar，heintrustedthecommandofanarmytoberaisedinThuringia。HealsolefthisqueeninErfurt，andpromisedtoincreaseitsprivileges。TheSwedisharmynowcrossedtheThuringianforestintwocolumns，byGothaandArnstadt，andhavingdelivered，initsmarch，thecountyofHennebergfromtheImperialists，formedajunctiononthethirddaynearKoenigshofen，onthefrontiersofFranconia。

Francis，BishopofWurtzburg，thebitterenemyoftheProtestants，andthemostzealousmemberoftheLeague，wasthefirsttofeeltheindignationofGustavusAdolphus。AfewthreatsgainedfortheSwedespossessionofhisfortressofKoenigshofen，andwithitthekeyofthewholeprovince。Atthenewsofthisrapidconquest，dismayseizedalltheRomanCatholictownsofthecircle。

TheBishopsofWurtzburgandBambergtrembledintheircastles；

theyalreadysawtheirseestottering，theirchurchesprofaned，andtheirreligiondegraded。ThemaliceofhisenemieshadcirculatedthemostfrightfulrepresentationsofthepersecutingspiritandthemodeofwarfarepursuedbytheSwedishkingandhissoldiers，whichneithertherepeatedassurancesoftheking，northemostsplendidexamplesofhumanityandtoleration，everentirelyeffaced。

Manyfearedtosufferatthehandsofanotherwhatinsimilarcircumstancestheywereconsciousofinflictingthemselves。ManyoftherichestRomanCatholicshastenedtosecurebyflighttheirproperty，theirreligion，andtheirpersons，fromthesanguinaryfanaticismoftheSwedes。

Thebishophimselfsettheexample。Inthemidstofthealarm，whichhisbigotedzealhadcaused，heabandonedhisdominions，andfledtoParis，toexcite，ifpossible，theFrenchministryagainstthecommonenemyofreligion。

ThefurtherprogressofGustavusAdolphusintheecclesiasticalterritoriesagreedwiththisbrilliantcommencement。Schweinfurt，andsoonafterwardsWurtzburg，abandonedbytheirImperialgarrisons，surrendered；butMarienberghewasobligedtocarrybystorm。Inthisplace，whichwasbelievedtobeimpregnable，theenemyhadcollectedalargestoreofprovisionsandammunition，allofwhichfellintothehandsoftheSwedes。

ThekingfoundavaluableprizeinthelibraryoftheJesuits，whichhesenttoUpsal，whilehissoldiersfoundastillmoreagreeableoneintheprelate’swell-filledcellars；histreasuresthebishophadingoodtimeremoved。Thewholebishopricfollowedtheexampleofthecapital，andsubmittedtotheSwedes。Thekingcompelledallthebishop’ssubjectstoswearallegiancetohimself；

and，intheabsenceofthelawfulsovereign，appointedaregency，onehalfofwhosememberswereProtestants。IneveryRomanCatholictownwhichGustavustook，heopenedthechurchestotheProtestantpeople，butwithoutretaliatingonthePapiststhecrueltieswhichtheyhadpractisedontheformer。Onsuchonlyasswordinhandrefusedtosubmit，werethefearfulrightsofwarenforced；andfortheoccasionalactsofviolencecommittedbyafewofthemorelawlesssoldiers，intheblindrageofthefirstattack，theirhumaneleaderisnotjustlyresponsible。Thosewhowerepeaceablydisposed，ordefenceless，weretreatedwithmildness。ItwasasacredprincipleofGustavustosparethebloodofhisenemies，aswellasthatofhisowntroops。

OnthefirstnewsoftheSwedishirruption，theBishopofWurtzburg，withoutregardingthetreatywhichhehadenteredintowiththeKingofSweden，hadearnestlypressedthegeneraloftheLeaguetohastentotheassistanceofthebishopric。Thatdefeatedcommanderhad，inthemeantime，collectedontheWesertheshatteredremnantofhisarmy，reinforcedhimselffromthegarrisonsofLowerSaxony，andeffectedajunctioninHessewithAltringerandFugger，whocommandedunderhim。

Againattheheadofaconsiderableforce，Tillyburnedwithimpatiencetowipeoutthestainofhisfirstdefeatbyasplendidvictory。

FromhiscampatFulda，whitherhehadmarchedwithhisarmy，heearnestlyrequestedpermissionfromtheDukeofBavariatogivebattletoGustavusAdolphus。But，intheeventofTilly’sdefeat，theLeaguehadnosecondarmytofallbackupon，andMaximilianwastoocautioustoriskagainthefateofhispartyonasinglebattle。

Withtearsinhiseyes，Tillyreadthecommandsofhissuperior，whichcompelledhimtoinactivity。ThushismarchtoFranconiawasdelayed，andGustavusAdolphusgainedtimetooverrunthewholebishopric。

ItwasinvainthatTilly，reinforcedatAschaffenburgbyabodyof12，000menfromLorraine，marchedwithanoverwhelmingforcetothereliefofWurtzburg。

ThetownandcitadelwerealreadyinthehandsoftheSwedes，andMaximilianofBavariawasgenerallyblamed(andnotwithoutcause，perhaps)forhaving，byhisscruples，occasionedthelossofthebishopric。

Commandedtoavoidabattle，Tillycontentedhimselfwithcheckingthefartheradvanceoftheenemy；buthecouldsaveonlyafewofthetownsfromtheimpetuosityoftheSwedes。BaffledinanattempttoreinforcetheweakgarrisonofHanau，whichitwashighlyimportanttotheSwedestogain，hecrossedtheMaine，nearSeligenstadt，andtookthedirectionoftheBergstrasse，toprotectthePalatinatefromtheconqueror。

Tilly，however，wasnotthesoleenemywhomGustavusAdolphusmetinFranconia，anddrovebeforehim。Charles，DukeofLorraine，celebratedintheannalsofthetimeforhisunsteadinessofcharacter，hisvainprojects，andhismisfortunes，venturedtoraiseaweakarmagainsttheSwedishhero，inthehopeofobtainingfromtheEmperortheelectoraldignity。Deaftothesuggestionsofarationalpolicy，helistenedonlytothedictatesofheatedambition；

bysupportingtheEmperor，heexasperatedFrance，hisformidableneighbour；

andinthepursuitofavisionaryphantominanothercountry，leftundefendedhisowndominions，whichwereinstantlyoverrunbyaFrencharmy。Austriawillinglyconcededtohim，aswellastotheotherprincesoftheLeague，thehonourofbeingruinedinhercause。

Intoxicatedwithvainhopes，thisprincecollectedaforceof17，000men，whichheproposedtoleadinpersonagainsttheSwedes。Ifthesetroopsweredeficientindisciplineandcourage，theywereatleastattractivebythesplendouroftheiraccoutrements；andhoweversparingtheywereoftheirprowessagainstthefoe，theywereliberalenoughwithitagainstthedefencelesscitizensandpeasantry，whomtheyweresummonedtodefend。Againstthebravery，andtheformidabledisciplineoftheSwedesthissplendidlyattiredarmy，however，madenolongstand。

OnthefirstadvanceoftheSwedishcavalryapanicseizedthem，andtheyweredrivenwithoutdifficultyfromtheircantonmentsinWurtzburg；

thedefeatofafewregimentsoccasionedageneralrout，andthescatteredremnantsoughtacovertfromtheSwedishvalourinthetownsbeyondtheRhine。Loadedwithshameandridicule，thedukehurriedhomebyStrasburg，toofortunateinescaping，byasubmissivewrittenapology，theindignationofhisconqueror，whohadfirstbeatenhimoutofthefield，andthencalleduponhimtoaccountforhishostilities。Itisrelateduponthisoccasionthat，inavillageontheRhineapeasantstruckthehorseofthedukeasherodepast，exclaiming，"Haste，Sir，youmustgoquickertoescapethegreatKingofSweden！"

Theexampleofhisneighbours’misfortuneshadtaughttheBishopofBambergprudence。Toaverttheplunderingofhisterritories，hemadeoffersofpeace，thoughthesewereintendedonlytodelaytheking’scoursetillthearrivalofassistance。GustavusAdolphus，toohonourablehimselftosuspectdishonestyinanother，readilyacceptedthebishop’sproposals，andnamedtheconditionsonwhichhewaswillingtosavehisterritoriesfromhostiletreatment。Hewasthemoreinclinedtopeace，ashehadnotimetoloseintheconquestofBamberg，andhisotherdesignscalledhimtotheRhine。Therapiditywithwhichhefolloweduptheseplans，costhimthelossofthosepecuniarysupplieswhich，byalongerresidenceinFranconia，hemighteasilyhaveextortedfromtheweakandterrifiedbishop。Thisartfulprelatebrokeoffthenegotiationtheinstantthestormofwarpassedawayfromhisownterritories。NosoonerhadGustavusmarchedonwardsthanhethrewhimselfundertheprotectionofTilly，andreceivedthetroopsoftheEmperorintotheverytownsandfortresses，whichshortlybeforehehadshownhimselfreadytoopentotheSwedes。Bythisstratagem，however，heonlydelayedforabriefintervaltheruinofhisbishopric。

ASwedishgeneralwhohadbeenleftinFranconia，undertooktopunishtheperfidyofthebishop；andtheecclesiasticalterritorybecametheseatofwar，andwasravagedalikebyfriendsandfoes。

TheformidablepresenceoftheImperialistshadhithertobeenacheckupontheFranconianStates；buttheirretreat，andthehumaneconductoftheSwedishking，emboldenedthenobilityandotherinhabitantsofthiscircletodeclareinhisfavour。Nurembergjoyfullycommitteditselftohisprotection；andtheFranconiannobleswerewontohiscausebyflatteringproclamations，inwhichhecondescendedtoapologizeforhishostileappearanceinthedominions。ThefertilityofFranconia，andtherigoroushonestyoftheSwedishsoldiersintheirdealingswiththeinhabitants，broughtabundancetothecampoftheking。

ThehighesteemwhichthenobilityofthecirclefeltforGustavus，therespectandadmirationwithwhichtheyregardedhisbrilliantexploits，thepromisesofrichbootywhichtheserviceofthismonarchheldout，greatlyfacilitatedtherecruitingofhistroops；astepwhichwasmadenecessarybydetachingsomanygarrisonsfromthemainbody。

Atthesoundofhisdrums，recruitsflockedtohisstandardfromallquarters。

ThekinghadscarcelyspentmoretimeinconqueringFranconia，thanhewouldhaverequiredtocrossit。HenowleftbehindhimGustavusHorn，oneofhisbestgenerals，withaforceof8，000men，tocompleteandretainhisconquest。Hehimselfwithhismainarmy，reinforcedbythelaterecruits，hastenedtowardstheRhineinordertosecurethisfrontieroftheempirefromtheSpaniards；

todisarmtheecclesiasticalelectors，andtoobtainfromtheirfertileterritoriesnewresourcesfortheprosecutionofthewar。

FollowingthecourseoftheMaine，hesubjected，inthecourseofhismarch，Seligenstadt，Aschaffenburg，Steinheim，thewholeterritoryonbothsidesoftheriver。Theimperialgarrisonsseldomawaitedhisapproach，andneverattemptedresistance。InthemeanwhileoneofhiscolonelshadbeenfortunateenoughtotakebysurprisethetownandcitadelofHanau，forwhosepreservationTillyhadshownsuchanxiety。EagertobefreeoftheoppressiveburdenoftheImperialists，theCountofHanaugladlyplacedhimselfunderthemilderyokeoftheKingofSweden。

GustavusAdolphusnowturnedhiswholeattentiontoFrankfort，foritwashisconstantmaximtocoverhisrearbythefriendshipandpossessionofthemoreimportanttowns。Frankfortwasamongthefreecitieswhich，evenfromSaxony，hehadendeavouredtoprepareforhisreception；andhenowcalleduponit，byasummonsfromOffenbach，toallowhimafreepassage，andtoadmitaSwedishgarrison。

WillinglywouldthiscityhavedispensedwiththenecessityofchoosingbetweentheKingofSwedenandtheEmperor；for，whateverpartytheymightembrace，theinhabitantshadalikereasontofearfortheirprivilegesandtrade。TheEmperor’svengeancewouldcertainlyfallheavilyuponthem，iftheywereinahurrytosubmittotheKingofSweden，andafterwardsheshouldproveunabletoprotecthisadherentsinGermany。Butstillmoreruinousforthemwouldbethedispleasureofanirresistibleconqueror，who，withaformidablearmy，wasalreadybeforetheirgates，andwhomightpunishtheiroppositionbytheruinoftheircommerceandprosperity。

Invaindidtheirdeputiespleadthedangerwhichmenacedtheirfairs，theirprivileges，perhapstheirconstitutionitself，if，byespousingthepartyoftheSwedes，theyweretoincurtheEmperor’sdispleasure。

GustavusAdolphusexpressedtothemhisastonishmentthat，whenthelibertiesofGermanyandtheProtestantreligionwereatstake，thecitizensofFrankfortshouldtalkoftheirannualfairs，andpostponefortemporalintereststhegreatcauseoftheircountryandtheirconscience。Hehad，hecontinued，inamenacingtone，foundthekeysofeverytownandfortress，fromtheIsleofRugentotheMaine，andknewalsowheretofindakeytoFrankfort；

thesafetyofGermany，andthefreedomoftheProtestantChurch，were，heassuredthem，thesoleobjectsofhisinvasion；

consciousofthejusticeofhiscause，hewasdeterminednottoallowanyobstacletoimpedehisprogress。"TheinhabitantsofFrankfort，hewaswellaware，wishedtostretchoutonlyafingertohim，buthemusthavethewholehandinordertohavesomethingtograsp。"

Attheheadofthearmy，hecloselyfollowedthedeputiesastheycarriedbackhisanswer，andinorderofbattleawaited，nearSaxenhausen，thedecisionofthecouncil。

IfFrankforthesitatedtosubmittotheSwedes，itwassolelyfromfearoftheEmperor；theirowninclinationsdidnotallowthemamomenttodoubtbetweentheoppressorofGermanyanditsprotector。ThemenacingpreparationsamidstwhichGustavusAdolphusnowcompelledthemtodecide，wouldlessentheguiltoftheirrevoltintheeyesoftheEmperor，andbyanappearanceofcompulsionjustifythestepwhichtheywillinglytook。

ThegateswerethereforeopenedtotheKingofSweden，whomarchedhisarmythroughthisimperialtowninmagnificentprocession，andinadmirableorder。

Agarrisonof600menwasleftinSaxenhausen；whilethekinghimselfadvancedthesameevening，withtherestofhisarmy，againstthetownofHoechstinMentz，whichsurrenderedtohimbeforenight。

WhileGustavuswasthusextendinghisconquestsalongtheMaine，fortunecrownedalsotheeffortsofhisgeneralsandalliesinthenorthofGermany。Rostock，Wismar，andDoemitz，theonlystrongplacesintheDuchyofMecklenburgwhichstillsighedundertheyokeoftheImperialists，wererecoveredbytheirlegitimatesovereign，theDukeJohnAlbert，undertheSwedishgeneral，AchatiusTott。

Invaindidtheimperialgeneral，WolfCountvonMansfeld，endeavourtorecoverfromtheSwedestheterritoriesofHalberstadt，ofwhichtheyhadtakenpossessionimmediatelyuponthevictoryofLeipzig；

hewasevencompelledtoleaveMagdeburgitselfintheirhands。

TheSwedishgeneral，Banner，whowith8，000menremainedupontheElbe，closelyblockadedthatcity，andhaddefeatedseveralimperialregimentswhichhadbeensenttoitsrelief。CountMansfelddefendeditinpersonwithgreatresolution；buthisgarrisonbeingtooweaktoopposeforanylengthoftimethenumerousforceofthebesiegers，hewasalreadyabouttosurrenderonconditions，whenPappenheimadvancedtohisassistance，andgaveemploymentelsewheretotheSwedisharms。

Magdeburg，however，orratherthewretchedhutsthatpeepedoutmiserablyfromamongtheruinsofthatoncegreattown，wasafterwardsvoluntarilyabandonedbytheImperialists，andimmediatelytakenpossessionofbytheSwedes。

EvenLowerSaxony，encouragedbytheprogressoftheking，venturedtoraiseitsheadfromthedisastersoftheunfortunateDanishwar。

TheyheldacongressatHamburg，andresolveduponraisingthreeregiments，whichtheyhopedwouldbesufficienttofreethemfromtheoppressivegarrisonsoftheImperialists。TheBishopofBremen，arelationofGustavusAdolphus，wasnotcontentevenwiththis；

butassembledtroopsofhisown，andterrifiedtheunfortunatemonksandpriestsoftheneighbourhood，butwasquicklycompelledbytheimperialgeneral，CountGronsfeld，tolaydownhisarms。

EvenGeorge，DukeofLunenburg，formerlyacolonelintheEmperor’sservice，embracedthepartyofGustavus，forwhomheraisedseveralregiments，andbyoccupyingtheattentionoftheImperialistsinLowerSaxony，materiallyassistedhim。

ButmoreimportantservicewasrenderedtothekingbytheLandgraveWilliamofHesseCassel，whosevictoriousarmsstruckwithterrorthegreaterpartofWestphaliaandLowerSaxony，thebishopricofFulda，andeventheElectorateofCologne。IthasbeenalreadystatedthatimmediatelyaftertheconclusionofthealliancebetweentheLandgraveandGustavusAdolphusatWerben，twoimperialgenerals，FuggerandAltringer，wereorderedbyTillytomarchintoHesse，topunishtheLandgraveforhisrevoltfromtheEmperor。Butthisprincehadasfirmlywithstoodthearmsofhisenemies，ashissubjectshadtheproclamationsofTillyincitingthemtorebellion，andthebattleofLeipzigpresentlyrelievedhimoftheirpresence。Heavailedhimselfoftheirabsencewithcourageandresolution；inashorttime，Vach，MuendenandHoextersurrenderedtohim，whilehisrapidadvancealarmedthebishopricsofFulda，Paderborn，andtheecclesiasticalterritorieswhichborderedonHesse。

Theterrifiedstateshastenedbyaspeedysubmissiontosetlimitstohisprogress，andbyconsiderablecontributionstopurchaseexemptionfromplunder。Afterthesesuccessfulenterprises，theLandgraveunitedhisvictoriousarmywiththatofGustavusAdolphus，andconcertedwithhimatFrankforttheirfutureplanofoperations。

Inthiscity，anumberofprincesandambassadorswereassembledtocongratulateGustavusonhissuccess，andeithertoconciliatehisfavourortoappeasehisindignation。AmongthemwasthefugitiveKingofBohemia，thePalatineFrederickV。，whohadhastenedfromHollandtothrowhimselfintothearmsofhisavengerandprotector。Gustavusgavehimtheunprofitablehonourofgreetinghimasacrownedhead，andendeavoured，byarespectfulsympathy，tosoftenhissenseofhismisfortunes。

Butgreatastheadvantageswere，whichFrederickhadpromisedhimselffromthepowerandgoodfortuneofhisprotector；andhighasweretheexpectationshehadbuiltonhisjusticeandmagnanimity，thechanceofthisunfortunateprince’sreinstatementinhiskingdomwasasdistantasever。TheinactivityandcontradictorypoliticsoftheEnglishcourthadabatedthezealofGustavusAdolphus，andanirritabilitywhichhecouldnotalwaysrepress，madehimonthisoccasionforgetthegloriousvocationofprotectoroftheoppressed，inwhich，onhisinvasionofGermany，hehadsoloudlyannouncedhimself。

Theterrorsoftheking’sirresistiblestrength，andthenearprospectofhisvengeance，hadalsocompelledGeorge，LandgraveofHesseDarmstadt，toatimelysubmission。HisconnectionwiththeEmperor，andhisindifferencetotheProtestantcause，werenosecrettotheking，buthewassatisfiedwithlaughingatsoimpotentanenemy。

AstheLandgraveknewhisownstrengthandthepoliticalsituationofGermanysolittle，astoofferhimselfasmediatorbetweenthecontendingparties，Gustavususedjestinglytocallhimthepeacemaker。Hewasfrequentlyheardtosay，whenatplayhewaswinningfromtheLandgrave，"thatthemoneyaffordeddoublesatisfaction，asitwasImperialcoin。"